Poll Shows Most Americans See Sports Event Prediction Markets As Gambling

A new national survey suggests prediction markets still have a public trust problem, especially when sports contracts start to look a lot like regular betting. The poll found broad concern over consumer protection, age limits, and whether those platforms should be treated under the same rules that already govern sportsbooks.

Good to Know

• More than four in five Americans said sports betting on prediction markets is no different from gambling.
• More than three quarters said they worry younger people could face gambling-related harm.
• About 81% said prediction market platforms should follow state gaming rules.

Poll Points to a Clear Public View

The survey, commissioned by Gambling is Not Investing and conducted by Morning Consult, sampled more than 15,000 U.S. adults and found a blunt public verdict on the category. Most respondents did not buy the idea that sports event prediction markets sit apart from gambling.

Mick Mulvaney, executive director of the coalition, said: “This polling confirms that unabated sports gambling on prediction markets is a growing concern across America.” He also said prediction markets are “trying to disguise their sports betting products as a financial investment,” while avoiding consumer protections such as age limits.

That age issue stands out. In most states, sportsbooks require users to be at least 21 to place sports bets. Prediction markets fall under CFTC oversight instead, which means access can start at 18. Mulvaney put it more plainly, saying: “Let’s face it, if it quacks like a duck, it’s sports betting.”

The findings also point to a wider backlash against how visible prediction markets have become across social media and public discussion. Even with growing attention from major political and business circles, the poll suggests many Americans still want the sector treated more like gaming than finance.